This is the one hundred and tenth anniversary of the birthday of
Washington. We are met to celebrate this day. Washington is the
mightiest name on earth--long since mightiest in the cause of
civil liberty; still mightiest in moral reformation. On that
name an eulogy is expected. It can not be. To add brightness to
the sun or glory to the name of Washington is alike impossible.
Let none attempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name and in its
naked, deathless splendor leave it shining on.
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The defender of his country--the founder of liberty,
The friend of man,
History and tradition are explored read more
The defender of his country--the founder of liberty,
The friend of man,
History and tradition are explored in vain
For a parallel to his character.
In the annals of modern greatness
He stands alone;
And the noblest names of antiquity
Lose their lustre in his presence.
Born the benefactor of mankind,
He united all the greatness necessary
To an illustrious career.
Nature made him great,
He made himself virtuous.
First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his fellow
citizens.
First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his fellow
citizens.
The character, the counsels, and example of our
Washington . . . they will guide us through the doubts read more
The character, the counsels, and example of our
Washington . . . they will guide us through the doubts and
difficulties that beset us; they will guide our children and our
children's children in the paths of prosperity and peace, while
America shall hold her place in the family of nations.
There's a star in the West that shall never go down
Till the records of Valour decay,
read more
There's a star in the West that shall never go down
Till the records of Valour decay,
We must worship its light though it is not our own,
For liberty burst in its ray.
Shall the name of a Washington ever be heard
By a freeman, and thrill not his breast?
Is there one out of bondage that hails not the word,
As a Bethlehem Star of the West?
A nobleness to try for,
A name to live and die for.
A nobleness to try for,
A name to live and die for.
Oh, Washington! thou hero, patriot sage,
Friend of all climes, and pride of every age!
Oh, Washington! thou hero, patriot sage,
Friend of all climes, and pride of every age!
That name was a power to rally a nation in the hour of
thick-thronging public disasters and calamities; that read more
That name was a power to rally a nation in the hour of
thick-thronging public disasters and calamities; that name shone
amid the storm of war, a beacon light to cheer and guide the
country's friends; it flamed too like a meteor to repel her foes.
Simple and brave, his faith awoke
Ploughmen to struggle with their fate;
Armies won battles when he read more
Simple and brave, his faith awoke
Ploughmen to struggle with their fate;
Armies won battles when he spoke,
And out of Chaos sprang the state.
His work well done, the leader stepped aside
Spurning a crown with more than kingly pride.
Content read more
His work well done, the leader stepped aside
Spurning a crown with more than kingly pride.
Content to wear the higher crown of worth,
While time endures, "First citizen of earth."
